Creating Charts: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:22, 9 August 2024

A chart is a graphical representation of price movements of a security, commodity, currency pair, or other financial instrument over a specific period. Charts are fundamental tools used by traders and investors to analyze and predict future price movements based on historical data.

In MultiCharts a chart is created for a financial instrument, designated by a ticker, such as @ES, BTCUSD, AAPL.

How to Create a Chart

To create a chart:

In the main MultiCharts window go to File → New → Chart Window or right-click the empty space → Chart Window.
Choose the desired instrument from the list on the Instrument tab or add a new symbol from the data source via the Add Symbol button → select the category tab → enter the symbol name or symbol root in the Symbol field → press Lookup.
Choose the necessary Chart Type and Settings in the Settings tab:
- Chart Resolution – by default it is set to 1 Minute.
- Quote Field – by default it is set to Trade.
- Sessions – Default session will be used.
- Data Range – by default it is set to 80 Bars Back.
- Time Zone – by default it is set to Exchange.
Customize your chart appearance in the Style and Scaling tabs:
- Chart Style – by default it is set to OHLC bars.
- Chart Scaling – by default it is set to Screen.
Click OK.

Creating Chart Using Format Instruments Window

To create a new chart using Format Instruments window:

Open the Format Instruments window.
To open the Format Instruments window, click the Format Instruments icon on the main toolbar;
if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.

The Format Instruments window can also be opened by one of the following methods:
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; double-click once the Pointer changes into a Hand ;
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; once the Pointer changes into a Hand right-click and then click Format Symbol Name;
- Right-click on an empty area of the chart and then click Format Instruments; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button;
- Select Format in the main menu and click Instrument; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.
Select the Instrument tab.
Select a data feed from the Data Source drop-down list box.
Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List.
Double-click the symbol, or click OK, to create a chart with the default settings.

To learn more about changing the symbol settings read the following:

Understanding Multi-Symbol Charts

It is possible to add several data series to the same Chart Window. Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number. The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window.

Any data series can be deleted from the Chart Window, except for the data series that was added first (Data #1).

Inserting Additional Symbols into a Chart Window

To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the Insert Instrument icon on the main toolbar.

Additional data series can also be inserted by one of the following methods:

Use the F5 key.
Select Insert in the main menu and click Instrument.
Right-click on the chart area and then click Insert Instrument.
If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click Format Instruments, and click the Add button.

Deleting Symbols from a Multi-Symbol Chart

Any of the symbols (data series) can be deleted from a multi-symbol Chart Window, except for the first symbol that was added (the symbol with the Data # 1).

To delete a symbol (data series), right-click on the chart area and then click Format Instruments; in the Format Objects window that appears, select the data series that is to be deleted and click the Remove button.

Data series can also be deleted by one of the following methods:

Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the Pointer changes into a Hand , right-click and then click Remove Series.
Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the Pointer changes into a Hand , click on the data series and then press the Delete key on the keyboard.

Selecting the Active Symbol (Data Series) in a Multi-Symbol Chart

In a multi-symbol Chart Window only one of the data series at a time is active. The active data series is the data series to which any changes will be applied. Any one of the data series in a multi-symbol chart can be selected as active at any time.

Before making changes to a particular symbol's chart within a multi-symbol Chart Window you should first make sure that it is the active symbol (data series).

The first symbol (data series) added to a multi-symbol Chart Window is the active symbol by default.

To select a symbol (data series) as active simply click on the data series.

Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar

One new chart (if there are no charts in the current workspace) can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar.

If the symbol name is known, the simplest way to create a new chart is to enter the symbol name and all known symbol parameters into the command line. Any omitted symbol parameters will automatically be selected, and the symbol plotted.

By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window.

To learn more about toolbars, see Understanding Toolbars.

Symbol parameters consist of the Symbol Name, Data Source, Category, and Exchange parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required in order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted.

Type in "IB:AAPL" to create a chart with AAPL from Interactive Brokers.
Type in "TS:@ES" to create a chart with @ES from TradeStation.

Find more info about Command Line on this page.

Merging Data Sources Into a Single Chart

In some instances real-time data and historical data must be obtained from two separate data sources. A real-time data source and a historical data source can be merged into a single chart.

To create a new chart:

Make sure that Merging is enabled in Preferences window.
Open the Format Instruments window.
To open the Format Instruments window, click the Format Instruments icon on the main toolbar;
if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.

The Format Instruments window can also be opened by one of the following methods:
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; double-click once the Pointer changes into a Hand ;
- Position the mouse pointer over the symbol's data series; once the Pointer changes into a Hand right-click and then click Format Symbol Name;
- Right-click on an empty area of the chart and then click Format Instruments; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button;
- Select Format in the main menu and click Instrument; if the Format Objects window appears, select the symbol and click the Format button.
Select the Instrument tab.
Check Merge Data Sources into a Single Chart check box.
From the For drop-down list box, select History.
Select a data feed for the historical data from the Data Source drop-down list box.
Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List.
From the For drop-down list box, select RealTime.
Select a data feed for the real-time data from the Data Source drop-down list box.
Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in All Instruments tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.
If you can't find a symbol, see Adding Symbols to Symbol List
Double-click the symbol, or click OK, to create a chart with default settings.

If you have Enable data source merging option disabled in Preferences window it is possible to spot charts that have merged historical and real-time data sources. Merging of different data sources is on indication can be seen in Format Instrument window.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-A Chart is created for a financial instrument, designated by a '''Symbol''', such as "GOOG".
+A chart is a graphical representation of price movements of a security, commodity, currency pair, or other financial instrument over a specific period. Charts are fundamental tools used by traders and investors to analyze and predict future price movements based on historical data.
-A new chart can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar, or by using the '''Format Symbol''' window.
+In MultiCharts a chart is created for a financial instrument, designated by a ticker, such as @ES, BTCUSD, AAPL.
+== How to Create a Chart ==
+To create a chart:
+# In the main MultiCharts window go to '''File''' → '''New''' → '''Chart Window''' or right-click the empty space → '''Chart Window'''.
+# Choose the desired instrument from the list on the '''Instrument tab''' or [[How_to_Add_Symbols|add a new symbol]] from the data source via the '''Add Symbol''' button →  select the category tab → enter the symbol name or symbol root in the '''Symbol''' field → press '''Lookup'''.
+# Choose the necessary [[:Category:Chart Types|Chart Type]] and [[:Category:Chart Settings|Settings]] in the '''Settings''' tab:
+#* [[Chart Resolution]] – by default it is set to 1 Minute.
+#*[[Quote Field]] – by default it is set to Trade.
+#*[[Sessions]] – Default session will be used.
+#*[[Data Range]] – by default it is set to 80 Bars Back.
+#*[[Time Zone]] – by default it is set to Exchange.
+# Customize your chart appearance in the '''Style''' and '''Scaling''' tabs:
+#* [[Chart Style]] – by default it is set to [[OHLC Bar Chart|OHLC bars]].
+#* [[Chart Scaling]] – by default it is set to Screen.
+# Click '''OK'''.
-If the symbol name is known, the simplest way to create a new chart is to enter the symbol name and all known symbol parameters into the command line. Any omitted symbol parameters will automatically be selected, and the symbol plotted.
+== Creating Chart Using Format Instruments Window ==
-<br>
-== Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar ==
-A new chart can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar:
-http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/052_CommandLine.png
-By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window. If the toolbar is not displayed, it may have been hidden. To learn how to redisplay the toolbar, see [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /21-0100_MCWorkArea.html name="3=32";  |Floating or Docking Toolbars]]
-To learn more about toolbars, see [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /21-0100_MCWorkArea.html name="3";  |Understanding Toolbars]]
-Symbol parameters consist of the '''Symbol Name''', '''Data Source''', '''Category''', and '''Exchange''' parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required on order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted.
-<br>
-=== Automatic Selection of Omitted Symbol Parameters ===
-MultiCharts simplifies the process of symbol selection by automatically selecting, whenever possible, any omitted symbol parameters, by analyzing the Symbol Name.
-<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: <br>When symbol parameters are entered into the command line the first time that MultiCharts is used, the Data Source must be specified.<br>Automatic selection of omitted symbol parameters is based on both the Symbol Name and on the Data Source.<br>Once specified a single time, the Data Source will be selected automatically if DataSource parameter is not specified.
-</div>
-Entering a symbol name alone is often sufficient to create a chart for a stock. For example, a plot for Google, Inc. can be created by simply typing '''goog''' into the command line toolbar; all the other parameters will be selected automatically. However, for some symbol categories and data sources, additional parameters may be required in order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted.
-If the exact symbol name is not known, but only the symbol description or the symbol root, or if plotting the symbol through the command line does not work, [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /100_Understanding_QuoteManager.html name="";  |QuoteManager]] can be used to search for and identify the correct symbol.
-<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: When symbol parameters are entered into the command line the first time that that MultiCharts is used, the Data Source must be specified.</div>
-<br>
-=== Entering Symbol Parameters into a Command Line ===
-Symbol parameters are entered in the following format:
-''DataSource: SymbolName; Exchange; Category''
-<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: <br>Data Source and Symbol Name are separated by a colon (:), while Symbol Name, Exchange Name, and Category are separated by a semicolon (;).</div>
-* If ''DataSource'' parameter is not specified, ''SymbolName'' parameter does not have to be preceded by a colon.
-* In neither ''Exchange'' nor ''Category'' parameters are specified, ''SymbolName'' does not have to be followed by a semicolon.
-* If ''Category'' parameter is not specified, ''Exchange'' parameter does not have to be followed by a semicolon.
-* If ''Exchange'' parameter is not specified, and ''Category'' parameter immediately follows the ''SymbolName'' parameter, two semicolons must separate ''SymbolName'' and ''Category'' parameters (''SymbolName;; Category'').
-''DataSource'' - an optional parameter; specifies the data source
-* ''DataSource'' - is specified by the DataSource abbreviation:
-{|
-|'''Data Source Name'''||'''Abbreviation'''
-|-
-|AGN Futures||AGN
-|-
-|ASCII Mapping||ASC
-|-
-|Bloomberg||BL
-|-
-|CyberTrader||CT
-|-
-|Free Quotes||F
-|-
-|GlobalServer||GS
-|-
-|IQFeed||IQ
-|-
-|Interactive Brokers||IB
-|-
-|MarketCast||MC
-|-
-|Metastock||MS
-|-
-|Open E Cry||OEC
-|-
-|Patsystems||PS
-|-
-|QFeed||QF
-|-
-|Tenfore||TF
-|-
-|TradeStation||TS
-|-
-|TransAct Futures||TA
-|-
-|Universal DDE||DDE
-|-
-|eSignal||ES
-|-
-|otFeed||OT
-|}
-<br><br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: DataSource parameter is not case-sensitive</div>
-<br>A list of available data sources and corresponding abbreviations can also be found in the '''Data Sources''' window in QuoteManager. To open the '''Data Sources''' window in QuoteManager, click the '''Data Sources''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/07_DataSources.png icon, or select '''Tools''' in the main menu and click '''Data Sources'''.
-* If ''DataSource'' is not specified, the most recently used Data Source will be used.
-* If ''DataSource'' is not specified and cannot be selected automatically, a '''Format Symbol''' window will open.
-''SymbolName'' - a required parameter; specifies the symbol name
+To create a new chart using Format Instruments window:
-* SymbolName parameter is not case-sensitive.
+# Open the '''Format Instruments''' window.<br><span>{{FormatSymbol}}</span>
-* The maximum symbol name length is 31 characters; longer symbol names will be truncated to 31 characters.
+# Select the '''Instrument''' tab.
-* Symbol name can contain any number of spaces and characters, separated by spaces.
-* Spaces at the beginning and at the end of a symbol name are discarded.
-''Exchange'' - an optional parameter; specifies the exchange abbreviation
-* Exchange is specified by the exchange abbreviation; the list of available exchanges and corresponding abbreviations can be found in the '''Exchanges & ECNs''' window in QuoteManager. To open the '''Exchanges & ECNs''' window in QuoteManager, click the '''Exchanges & ECNs''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/QM/09_Exchanges.png icon, or select '''Tools''' in the main menu and click '''Exchanges & ECNs'''.
-* If the specified exchange abbreviation is not in the '''Exchanges & ECNs''' list, a '''Format Symbol''' window will open.
-* If ''Exchange'' parameter is not specified, a default exchange will be selected based on the data source and category (category selection takes place prior to default exchange selection):
-{|
-|'''Data Source'''||'''Category'''||'''Exchange'''
-|-
-|Interactive Brokers||Future<br>Cash/Forex<br>Other||GLOBEX<br>IDEALPRO<br>SMART
-|-
-|OpenTick||Future<br>Other||EM<br>Q
-|-
-|TransAct Futures||All||CME
-|-
-|GlobalServer||Future<br>Cash/Forex<br>Other||CME<br>CFOREX<br>NASDAQ
-|-
-|TradeStation||Future<br>Cash/Forex<br>Bond<br>Other||CME<br>FOREX<br>AMEX<br>NASDAQ
-|-
-|All other data sources||All||UNDEF
-|}
-''Category'' - an optional parameter; specifies the symbol category
-* Category is specified by the category name abbreviation:<br>
-{|
-|'''Category'''||'''Abbreviation'''
-|-
-|Stock||Stk
-|-
-|Index||Idx
-|-
-|Future||Fut
-|-
-|Stock Option||Opt
-|-
-|Forex||Fx
-|-
-|Bond||B
-|-
-|Cash||C
-|-
-|Spread||Spd
-|}
-<br><div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: category parameter is not case-sensitive.</div>
-* If the specified ''Category'' is not a valid category abbreviation, a '''Format Symbol''' window will open.
-* If ''Category'' is not specified, the symbol name will be analyzed in order to select the symbol category automatically.<br>
-<br>
-==== Automatic Symbol Category Selection ====
-Symbol category is automatically selected by evaluating the symbol name according to the following rules, in the order that they are listed; once a symbol name satisfies any one rule, a category is assigned and MultiCharts proceeds to exchange selection.
-Symbol category is Future if any of the following are true:
-* Symbol name ends with a number
-* Symbol name ends with a '''#F''', preceded by a space
-* Symbol name begins with an '''@'''
-* Symbol name begins with a '''c#''' (except TradeStation(R) symbols)
-Symbol category is Index if any of the following are true:
-* Symbol name begins with a '''$'''
-* Symbol name ends with a '''.X'''
-Symbol category is Forex if any of the following are true:
-<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: For InteractiveBroker data source, symbol category will be Cash</div>
-* Symbol name ends with a '''-FX'''
-* Symbol name contains any two different sets of the following combinations of letters: <br>EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, KRW, SEK, MXN, NOK, PLZ, CZK, ILS, HUF, MXP, NZD, PLN, RUR, BRE, USS, SKK, TWD, SIT, SGD, RUB, SON, MTL, LVL, LTL, SEK, HRK, EEK, DKK, CYP
-if the ''Category'' cannot be selected automatically, category Stock will be selected; category selection takes place prior to default exchange selection.
-'''Sample Entries and Corresponding Parameters'''
-<br>
-<TABLE class="QMtable">
-<TR class="QMtr"><TH class="QMth-odd" nowrap>'''<font color=#555555>Command Line Entry</TH><TH class="QMth-odd" nowrap>'''<font color=#555555>Data Source *</TH><TH class="QMth-odd" nowrap>'''<font color=#555555>Symbol</TH><TH class="QMth-odd" nowrap>'''<font color=#555555>Exchange</TH><TH class="QMth-odd" nowrap>'''<font color=#555555>Category</TH></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">ES:O #F</TD><TD rowspan="4" class="QMtd">eSignal</TD><TD class="QMtd">O #F</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">ES:ES H8</TD><TD class="QMtd">ES H8</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">ES:$INDU</TD><TD class="QMtd">$INDU</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Indexes</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">ES:EURGBP A0-FX</TD><TD class="QMtd">EURGBP A0-FX</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Forex</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr-odd"><TD class="QMtd">IQ:@ES#</TD><TD rowspan="3" class="QMtd">IQfeed</TD><TD class="QMtd">@ES#</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr-odd"><TD class="QMtd">IQ:NUH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">NUH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr-odd"><TD class="QMtd">IQ:ADR.X</TD><TD class="QMtd">ADR.X</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Indexes</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">IB:ESH8</TD><TD rowspan="3" class="QMtd">IB</TD><TD class="QMtd">ESH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">GLOBEX</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">IB:MSFT</TD><TD class="QMtd">MSFT</TD><TD class="QMtd">SMART</TD><TD class="QMtd">Stock</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">IB:EUR.USD</TD><TD class="QMtd">EUR.USD</TD><TD class="QMtd">IDEALPRO</TD><TD class="QMtd">Cash</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr-odd"><TD class="QMtd">OEC:6AH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">OEC</TD><TD class="QMtd">6AH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">UNDEF</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">OT:/ESH8</TD><TD rowspan="3" class="QMtd">OT</TD><TD class="QMtd">/ESH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">EM</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">OT:$ACBQ</TD><TD class="QMtd">$ACBQ</TD><TD class="QMtd">Q</TD><TD class="QMtd">Indexes</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">OT:#ES</TD><TD class="QMtd">#ES</TD><TD class="QMtd">EM</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr-odd"><TD class="QMtd">TA:ESH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">TA</TD><TD class="QMtd">ESH8</TD><TD class="QMtd">CME</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">TS:ESH08</TD><TD rowspan="4" class="QMtd">TS</TD><TD class="QMtd">ESH08</TD><TD class="QMtd">CME</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">TS:AUDCAD</TD><TD class="QMtd">AUDCAD</TD><TD class="QMtd">FOREX</TD><TD class="QMtd">Forex</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">TS:$TSTOP</TD><TD class="QMtd">$TSTOP</TD><TD class="QMtd">NASDAQ</TD><TD class="QMtd">Indexes</TD></TR>
-<TR class="QMtr"><TD class="QMtd">TS:@ES</TD><TD class="QMtd">@ES</TD><TD class="QMtd">CME</TD><TD class="QMtd">Futures</TD></TR>
-</TABLE>
-* The Data Source is specified in the table's Command Line entries for illustration purposes only; once specified a
-single time, the Data Source will be selected automatically even if ''DataSource'' parameter is not specified.
-== Creating Chart Using Format Symbol Window ==
-To create a new chart:
-# Open the Format Symbol window by one of the following methods:
-#* Click the '''New Chart Window''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/05_Create_New_Chart_Window.png" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="20" HSPACE="2"ALIGN="bottom"> icon on the '''Main''' toolbar; or:
-#* Use the '''Insert''' key on the keyboard; or:
-#* In the main menu select '''File''', then point to '''New''' and click '''New Chart Window'''.
-# Select the '''Symbol''' tab.
 # Select a data feed from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box.
-# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Symbols''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.  If you can’t find a symbol, see [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /101_Symbol_List.html name="1";  |Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]
+# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]].
 # Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with the default settings.
-<br>
+<div class="tip-no-title">To learn more about changing the symbol settings read the following:
+* [[Changing_Symbols|Changing Symbols]]
+* [[Chart_Resolution|Chart Resolution]]
+* [[Quote_Field|Quote Field]]
+* [[Sessions|Sessions]]
+* [[Data_Range|Data Range]]
+* [[Time_Zone|Time Zone]]
+* [[Data_Numbers|Data Numbers]]
+* [[Using_SubCharts|Using SubCharts]]
+* [[Chart_Style|Chart Style]]
+* [[Chart_Scaling|Chart Scaling]]
+</div>
-=== Merging Data Sources into a Single Chart ===
+== Understanding Multi-Symbol Charts ==
-In some instances real-time data and historical data must be obtained from two separate data sources.  A real-time data source and a historical data source can be merged into a single chart.
+It is possible to add several data series to the same Chart Window.  Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number.  The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window.
+<div class="important">Any data series can be deleted from the Chart Window, except for the data series that was added first ([[Data_Numbers|Data #1]]).</div>
-To create a new chart:
-# Open the Format Symbol window by one of the following methods:
-#* Click the '''New Chart Window''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/05_Create_New_Chart_Window.png" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="20" HSPACE="2"ALIGN="bottom"> icon on the '''Main''' toolbar; or:
-#* Use the '''Insert''' key on the keyboard; or:
-#* In the main menu select '''File''', then point to '''New''' and click '''New Chart Window'''.
-# Select the '''Symbol''' tab.
-# Check '''Merge Data Sources into a Single Chart''' check box.
-# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''History'''.
-# Select a data feed for the historical data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box.
-# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Symbols''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.  If you can’t find a symbol, see [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /101_Symbol_List.html name="1";  |Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]
-# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''RealTime'''.
-# Select a data feed for the real-time data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box.
-# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Symbols''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header.  If you can’t find a symbol, see [[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /101_Symbol_List.html name="1";  |Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]
-# Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with default settings.
-<br>
-<br>To learn more about changing the symbol settings read the following:
-[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02021_FCh_SymSet_ChSymbol.html name="";  |Changing Symbols]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02022_FCh_SymSet_DataComp.html name="";  |Chart Resolution]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02023_FCh_SymSet_Fields.html name="";  |Quote Field]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02024_FCh_SymSet_Sess.html name="";  |Sessions]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02025_FCh_SymSet_Range.html name="";  |Data Range]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02026_FCh_SymSet_Zone.html name="";  |Time Zone]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02027_FCh_SymSet_DNum.html name="";  |Data Numbers]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02028_FCh_SymSet_SubCh.html name="";  |Using SubCharts]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-0203_FCh_ChStyle_General.html name="";  |Chart Style]]
-<br>[[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-0204_FCh_ChScal_General.html name="";  |Chart Scaling]]
-<br>
-== Understanding Multi-Symbol Charts ==
-It is possible to add several symbols' data series to the same Chart Window.  Each data series in a multi-symbol chart has a unique Data Number.  The Data Number is assigned according to the order in which the data series was added to the Chart Window.
-<div style="background-color: #F8F6CD;">Important: Any data series can be deleted from the Chart Window, except for the data series that was added first ([[<span style="color: red;">'''LINK'''</span> /22-02027_FCh_SymSet_DNum.html name="";  |Data #1]]).</div>
-<br>
 === Inserting Additional Symbols into a Chart Window ===
-To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the '''Insert Symbol''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/toolbar/051_Insert_Symbol.png" WIDTH="23" HEIGHT="20" HSPACE="2"ALIGN="bottom"> icon on the '''Chart Analysis''' toolbar.
+To insert an additional symbols’ data series into a Chart Window, click the '''Insert Instrument''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/b/bb/Create_New_Chart_Window_%28125%29.png" width="24"> icon on the main toolbar.
 Additional data series can also be inserted by one of the following methods:
+* Use the '''F5''' key.
+* Select '''Insert''' in the main menu and click '''Instrument'''.
+* Right-click on the chart area and then click '''Insert Instrument'''.
+* If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click '''Format Instruments''', and click the '''Add''' button.
-# Use the '''F5''' key; or:
-# Select '''Insert''' in the main menu and click '''Symbol'''; or:
-# Right-click on the chart area and then click '''Insert Symbol'''; or:
-# If the Chart Window already contains more then one data series, right-click on the chart area, then click '''Format Symbols''', and click the '''Add''' button.
-<br>
 === Deleting Symbols from a Multi-Symbol Chart ===
-Any of the symbols (data series) can be deleted from a multi-symbol Chart Window, except for the first symbol that was added (the symbol with the Data # = 1).
+Any of the symbols (data series) can be deleted from a multi-symbol Chart Window, except for the first symbol that was added (the symbol with the Data # 1).
-To delete a symbol (data series), right-click on the chart area and then click '''Format Symbols'''; in the '''Format Objects''' window that appears, select the data series that is to be deleted and click the '''Remove''' button.
+To delete a symbol (data series), right-click on the chart area and then click '''Format Instruments'''; in the '''Format Objects''' window that appears, select the data series that is to be deleted and click the '''Remove''' button.
 Data series can also be deleted by one of the following methods:
-* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/cursors/Pointer.gifchanges into a '''Hand''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/cursors/Hand.gif, right-click and then click '''Remove Series'''; or:
+* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/ab/Pointer.png" width="24"> changes into a '''Hand''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/a7/Hand.png" width="24">, right-click and then click '''Remove Series'''.
-* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/cursors/Pointer.gifchanges into a '''Hand''' http://www.multicharts.com/img/wiki/cursors/Hand.gif, click on the data series and then press the '''Delete''' key on the keyboard.
+* Position the mouse pointer over the data series that is to be deleted; once the '''Pointer''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/ab/Pointer.png" width="24"> changes into a '''Hand''' <img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/a/a7/Hand.png" width="24">, click on the data series and then press the '''Delete''' key on the keyboard.
-<br>
 === Selecting the Active Symbol (Data Series) in a Multi-Symbol Chart ===
 In a multi-symbol Chart Window only one of the data series at a time is active.  The active data series is the data series to which any changes will be applied.  Any one of the data series in a multi-symbol chart can be selected as active at any time.
@@ Line 296: / Line 73: @@
 To select a symbol (data series) as active simply click on the data series.
+== Creating Charts Using the Command Line Toolbar ==
-<br>
+One new chart (if there are no charts in the current workspace) can be created by entering the symbol parameters into the Command Line toolbar.
-== Understanding Data Server Mode ==
-Data server mode selection provides flexibility for working with data feeds.  This feature makes it possible to overcome limitations of some of the data feeds.  If a data feed is available only on weekdays, the locally stored data can be used on weekends.  If a data feed makes gap filling impractical by forcing a lengthy download of 24 hours of data for any intraday query, the gap filling feature can be disabled.
+If the symbol name is known, the simplest way to create a new chart is to enter the symbol name and all known symbol parameters into the command line. Any omitted symbol parameters will automatically be selected, and the symbol plotted.
-Three Data server modes are available:
+<img src="https://www.multicharts.com/trading-software/images/9/94/Command.png" width="205">
-'''On-Demand''' – First, the locally stored data is used for a historical chart.  Then a check for the gaps is performed, and any gaps found are filled by connecting to a historical data feed.  Once the historical chart is completed, the real-time data will be received from a real-time data feed.
+By default, the Command Line toolbar is displayed docked to the top of the application window.
-<br>'''Online''' – The locally stored data is used to for a historical chart.  A check for gaps is not performed.  Once the historical chart is completed, the real-time data will be received from a real-time data feed.
-<br>'''Offline''' – Only the locally stored data is used.  No connections to data feeds are made.
-<br>
-=== Setting Data Server Mode ===
+<div class="tip-no-title">To learn more about toolbars, see [[MultiCharts_Work_Area#Understanding Toolbars|Understanding Toolbars]].</div>
-To change the Data server mode close all the Workspaces containing windows, or close all the windows in open Workspaces.  Once a new Data server mode has been set, all Chart Windows will function according to the new mode, even if they were originally created under another Data server mode.
+Symbol parameters consist of the '''Symbol Name''', '''Data Source''', '''Category''', and '''Exchange''' parameters. Depending on the data source and the symbol category, one or more parameters are required in order to precisely identify the symbol to be plotted.
-<br>
+<div class="example">Type in "'''IB:AAPL'''" to create a chart with AAPL from Interactive Brokers.<br>
-<div style="background-color: #E3FBE5;">Note: The Data server mode can not be changed while there are any open Chart Windows in any of the open Workspaces.</div>
+Type in "'''TS:@ES'''" to create a chart with @ES from TradeStation.</div>
+<div class="tip-no-title">Find more info about Command Line on [[Command Line|this page]].</div>
-To set the Data server mode:
+== Merging Data Sources Into a Single Chart ==
+In some instances real-time data and historical data must be obtained from two separate data sources.  A real-time data source and a historical data source can be merged into a single chart.
-# In the main menu select '''File''' and click '''Preferences'''.
+To create a new chart:
-# Select the '''Data Server Mode''' tab.
-# Choose the data mode.
+# Make sure that Merging is enabled in '''[[Preferences#Charting|Preferences]]''' window.
-# Check '''Show this dialog box on startup''' check box to display the '''Data Server Mode''' dialog box on startup, or uncheck the box to simply use the last selected Data mode.
+# Open the '''Format Instruments''' window.<br><span>{{FormatSymbol}}</span>
-<br>
+# Select the '''Instrument''' tab.
+# Check '''Merge Data Sources into a Single Chart''' check box.
+# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''History'''.
+# Select a data feed for the historical data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box.
+# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]].
+# From the '''For''' drop-down list box, select '''RealTime'''.
+# Select a data feed for the real-time data from the '''Data Source''' drop-down list box.
+# Select a symbol from the list of available symbols in '''All Instruments''' tab, or use the category tabs to list only a particular category of symbols; the list can be sorted by any column, in ascending or descending order, by clicking on the column header. <br>If you can't find a symbol, see [[Operating Symbol List#Adding Symbols to Symbol List|Adding Symbols to Symbol List]]
+# Double-click the symbol, or click '''OK''', to create a chart with default settings.
+<div class="note">If you have '''Enable data source merging option''' disabled in '''[[Preferences#Charting|Preferences]]''' window it is possible to spot charts that have merged historical and real-time data sources.
+'''Merging of different data sources is on''' indication can be seen in Format Instrument window.</div>
-[[Category:MultiCharts]]
+[[Category:Using Charts|B]]